The Data Center Resistance Has Arrived, a report by Data Center Watch, highlights a growing bipartisan opposition to data centers in the U.S., particularly in states like Georgia and Indiana. The report indicates that local communities have successfully blocked or delayed over $98 billion in data center projects since March 2025, with some projects being halted due to environmental and economic concerns. This resistance is driven by worries about rising energy costs, water usage, and the lack of tax contributions from these large tech facilities. The report also notes that while tech companies have been largely silent on the issue, some politicians, including Democrats and Republicans, are now speaking out against data centers. The growing public sentiment reflects a shift in how communities view the impact of these projects on their local economies and resources.
Key facts
- Data Center Watch, a project by 10a Labs, has documented a sharp increase in community opposition to data centers across the U.S. since 2023.
- Local resistance has blocked or delayed over $98 billion in data center projects from March to June 2025, with some projects halted due to moratoriums and legal challenges.
- Georgia and Indiana are leading the wave of bipartisan opposition to data centers, with communities raising concerns about energy costs, water usage, and tax contributions.
- The report highlights that data centers are increasingly seen as a burden on local resources, with residents worried about their impact on electricity bills and environmental sustainability.
- Despite the resistance, the data center industry remains a major economic driver, with tech companies investing billions in infrastructure and creating high-wage jobs.
